Application of Lasers to Cannon Manufacture

摘要

The process development specifications procurement, and implementation of anindustrial laser metalworking system was performed by Benet Laboratories under a Manufacturing Methods and Technology project at Watervliet Arsenal. The system was designed to include capabilities for welding, cutting, and heat treating a variety of common components that were historically difficult or impossible to process by conventional means. Initially, several development contracts were established and executed to determine the parameters for laser processing various cannon components. These contracts involved welding and heat treating selected materials and prototype components using laser technology. Results generated from this work was used to design and specify a versatile laser metalworking system to complement Watervliet Arsenal's production facilities. The system was successfully at the Arsenal, and is currently used in production for localized heat treatment of minor components. Light Amplification by Standard Emission of Radiation (Laser), Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ), Microhardness, Base metal.